2012-2013 University Catalog
Theater, BFA
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Banner Code: AR-BFA-THR
Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-1120
Web: theater.gmu.edu
Faculty
Ken Elston, Chair
Professors: D’Andrea (Robinson Professor), Davis, McDonald
Associate Professors: Austin, Elston, Gero, Johnsen-Neshati, Kurtz
Term Associate Professor: Chew
Adjunct Faculty: Cadby, Cetron, Dunayer, Gaines, Lechter, Lee, Maier, McManus, Mountain, Murray, Nanni-Messegee, Wallace
Program
Entrance into the BFA program is by interview and audition or portfolio review. Information about the audition, portfolio review and interview process; including dates; can be found on the department web page, theater.gmu.edu/admissions, or by calling the department office at 703-993-1120. Admission to the University is determined by the Admissions Office.
In addition to the general education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts majors must complete a minimum of 80 hours in the major: 32 hours of required Theater core courses plus 48 hours in the concentration. Concentrations are: Design for Stage and Screen, Performance for Stage and Screen (Acting and Directing), Writing and Dramaturgy for Stage and Screen.
Theater majors are expected to participate in Theater at Mason productions and will be required to demonstrate growing proficiency in their chosen concentration prior to the confirmation of the BFA degree.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated writing-intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students seeking a BA in theater fulfill this requirement by successfully completing THR 350 or THR 482.
Course Work
The Theater Department offers all course work designated THR in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Production Opportunities
Participation in Theater at Mason productions is expected of all declared majors.
All Theater majors must enroll in THR 191 each semester. It is a zero (0) credit class, graded S/NC, that is successfully completed by attending productions, guest lectures, and/or workshops; participating in production load-in; and participating in production strike.
Students must also earn four (4) practicum credits: one (1) credit for satisfactory completion (a minimum of 30 hours) of each of four (4) performance and production assignments in the major, including faculty or guest-directed Mason Players Mainstage and student-directed Studio productions.
All freshmen, first year transfer, and all new Theater majors will be assigned one (1) THR 198 credit and one (1) THR 199 credit during their first academic year.
Assignments for THR 196 and THR 197 will include a presentation of portfolio documents demonstrating a practical analysis of the role, design, or support position to subject area mentors.
- THR 196 assignments including actor, designer, assistant designer, stage manager, and assistant stage manager.
- THR 197 assignments include director, assistant director, dramaturg, master electrician, technical director, playwright, house management, and publicity.
- THR 198 assignments include scenery construction and painting, costume construction, electrician, and props.
- THR 199 assignments include stage crew, light board operator, sound board operator, wardrobe, and fly crew.
Unless registered for a Theater course approved as directly connected to production (i.e. THR 196-199, 492 or 495) all students (including non-Theater majors) electing to participate in a Theater at Mason production must register for THR 200 concurrent with participation.
Theater Honors Program
Highly qualified students who have completed 75 credits may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Students apply for Honors in Theater by submitting to the Chair (by November 15 or April 15) a two-page written statement outlining their reasons for pursuing advanced coursework and specific professional goals, along with the names of two Mason theater faculty members who have agreed to serve as references.
Students satisfy the honors course sequence by taking three Honors specific courses from their chosen concentration. They must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA of 3.75 within the major.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts academic policies. |
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